Galveston Daily News    
Saturday March 1881

ABILENE
The Sale of Lots - Handsome Prices Realized - Visitors well pleased, etc.
[Special Telegram to the News]

Abilene, Texas, March 15 1881- Last's nights regular passenger and extra
excursion trains brought in a large number of passengers, and it is
estimated that 1500 visitors are here.  The sale of the lots began at 10
o'clock, J.H. Hassack. of Jefferson, auctioneer.  The first lot was bid in
by W.T. Berry & Co., at $335; second choice by William Cameron, at $325.
The bidding throughout was spirited, the lowest lots selling for $70.  One
hundred and forty lots were sold, aggregating $24,510.  The sale will
continue to-morrow.
No disturbances whatever occurred and for a frontier town the day was
remarkably quiet. Nearly all purchasers intend building at once.
Artesian wells are being bored, and brickyards will soon be started.
Visitors from older sections were much interested in the prairie dogs,
antelopes, etc...